Rudd allegedly snubbed at ALP conference

Kevin Rudd has given a rousing speech to the ALP national conference covering his achievements as prime minister and now foreign minister.

Mr Rudd's supporters are reportedly upset that Prime Minister Julia Gillard did not specifically mention his time as leader during her opening address at the conference.

That has prompted a report that some of his backers want him to challenge for the leadership next year.

Labor frontbencher Simon Crean has dismissed suggestions Mr Rudd was snubbed by the prime minister, and said "of course" Mr Rudd was on the same platform as other leaders mentioned in Ms Gillard's speech.

"I think that when you look at his leadership in getting ... to prime ministership, his leadership in terms of the G20 recognition and putting us front and centre on the international stage, his commitment in terms of the domestic agenda, these are all important legacies in a great history of Labor tradition," Mr Crean told reporters outside the conference.

Mr Crean ridiculed people who were "miffed" by the alleged snub, describing them as "sensitive petals"."What they should understand is the broad sweep of things and see themselves appropriately recognised and be proud anyway in the knowledge that you have done it," he said.

Labor senator Doug Cameron would not comment on Ms Gillard's omission of her predecessor, but said Mr Rudd had an important place in ALP history."Kevin Rudd took us to victory in 2007 and I think that he should be recognised," he said.

In his first speech to the conference on Sunday, Mr Rudd opened the session on foreign policy.

He told delegates he is proud of Labor's track record in the area.

"I am proud of the fact that this Labor government withdrew our troops from Iraq," he said.

"I am proud we have led the international diplomatic initiative for a no-fly zone for Libya.

"We ratified Kyoto, and friends, we have doubled our foreign aid in just five years and we are on track for the next five years to double our aid again."

Mr Rudd was also the man seen to be carrying the fight to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.